<I have not read his book to see the full argument... but I greatly appreciate the point he here makes that SOVEREIGNTY AND CONTROL are two very different things. Frankly, this seems self-evident, but it is amazing how much doubtful theology gets shared based on that confusion. Working with a counseling center, I can tell …
Month: December 2016
Whispering Hope, A Poem to End 2016
At this time of year, a poem written over 120 years ago appears apt to me. Written by Septimus Winner (a prodigious composer and poet), on or before 1893, links the cycle of seasons with the cycle of life. The poem is reflective and hopeful... a good combination to enter a new year. "Which is …
Christmas Greetings 2016
Considering the wars, terroristic acts, self-serving governance, and general pain and suffering that feels to be the milieu of many who are reading this... the need to live out one's life in Christ has never been greater. Yet it is understandable that some may feel weak or tired. There is no shame in feeling weak …
Why are Evangelical Christians Bad at Social Justice?
Consider the quote from Billy Graham a few decades ago: "I am convinced that if the Church went back to its main task of proclaiming the Gospel and getting people converted to Christ, it would have a far greater impact on the social, moral, and psychological needs of men than any other thing it could …
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End of 2016 and Looking Forward
I have to admit, I had a lot of concerns about 2016. But God has been good, and 2017 looks to be an interesting (dare I say 'exciting'?) year. Here are a few year end review items: 14,483 views in 2016 (as of December 20). That is pretty trivial by some blog standards, but it …
Article of Medical Missions
Article on Slideshare. Based on dissertation and my book.
Lord’s Prayer Reflections
The Lord's Prayer (“Our Father”) is a model prayer. Perhaps it should not be thought of as something to repeat word for word. On the other hand, repeating the Lord's Prayer as a group does remind us that we are a part of a community of faith. But when we repeat it, it is worth …
Theology and Anti-Missions
William Carey, referred to by some as the Father of Protestant Missions, wrote his great booklet, “An Enquiry into the Obligation of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens.” Carey came from a religious group, the Particular Baptists. As “dissenters” of the state church, they could, potentially, have a greater desire to …
Is Prooftexting a Growing Trend Among Christian Leaders?
A religious leader makes a controversial dogmatic statement, and then attaches a Bible verse or passage as "proof" that the statement is true, or Biblical. Have you seen this? I have, and I am pretty sure you have too. Some by people one might think should know better. I think it is on the rise. …
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Christmas Musings 2016
It is Christmas Season here in the Philippines. Arguably, it has been since September 1st. Every year I come across some Christians who are worried about whether it is okay to celebrate Christmas because of its "pagan roots." This year is no exception. Additionally, some JWs came by our house today and they reject Christmas …